kevin.fonner.net

Introducing My Life Hacks Page

September 2nd, 2008

I have been learning a lot lately about personal productivity as I try to squeeze all these projects into what little spare time I have left in my life. I am a far cry from some of the experts out there who’s life passion is time management or life hacking, but I do pick up some nifty tricks along the way while trying to do what I can. Most of my ideas come from lifehacker.com (which is an incredible site), but every once in a while I’ll have an original idea of my own about personal productivity. Whether it be something that I pickup on lifehacker.com that works for me, or one of my own “great” ideas, I will be posting some of the better ones here on this life hack project page of mine to share with the rest of the world for what they are worth.

Also this winter, as I have a little space in between deadlines, I will be working to implement some key systems that I have learned that I need based on managing my projects earlier this year. They are financial budgeting and tracking(so I can figure out just how much I can spend on my projects), a better calendaring system (so that that I can keep track of my family’s and my own schedule), and project management software (so that I can watch my deadlines slip out of control with better accuracy). Anyhow, as I try to integrate these key systems into my life, I’ll let people know what I am doing and how I’m doing it here.

Baby steps on to the fore-yard

June 1st, 2008
On my second day sail I got to do something that I never expected to do. I talked to the captain on the ship on how I wanted to do more and after I signed a few forms I joined the crew of the US Brig Niagara as a volunteer. That’s right… I have now picked up another hobby! What an amazing experience though. Volunteers get to work alongside and help the professional crew sail and maintain the ship. Here you can see me climbing down from aloft.
Here you can see me up on the starboard side of the fore-yard. A member of the crew and I are helping sea-stow the foresail (at least that’s how I think you say it). I was wondering the whole time if the guy standing on the rope next to me could feel my leg shaking. :)
Here is another shot of us up on the yard.

Dr Marvin! I’m sailing!

May 31st, 2008
Ever since seeing the movie Master and Commander I have been having this itch to go sailing on a square-rig sailing vessel. After a little time on the web I found out a reproduction of the US Brig Niagara was in Erie PA (not ‘too far’ from my house). Any how, they offer these day sails for people to sign up for (not to expensive). You sail for about 4 to 6 hours on the ship.
They serve you dinner or lunch (depending on the time you go), and they actually cook it on a wood burning stove right on the ship in the galley.
I did an evening sail and it was so beautiful. The sun was setting just as we were sailing back into port and I just got some incredible shots!
Thank you to the crew of the Niagara for an outstanding time!